MRS. BUSH: Well, I'd just like to thank everyone who's joined us here
today. I did come to the inauguration of your President, President
Sirleaf. My daughter Barbara came with me to that inauguration, and I'm so
happy to be back in Liberia now, and this time to be accompanied by
President Bush.

Things look a lot better here since the last time I was here. You may not
realize it if you're here every single day, but I can tell that Monrovia is
being rebuilt, buildings are being reconstructed, and I think people seem
to have, as we saw them on the roads as we came into this meeting, seem to
be -- seem to have a lot of hope.

I want to encourage the people of Liberia to work together. You have a
chance, after so many long years of war, to build your peace; to build a
country that's strong and that's stable. And I urge parents especially to
look at your children, to see what you can do for your children to help
them build their lives. First, and most important, make sure your children
go to school and stay in school.

And for all those adults who missed school because they grew up during the
time, the long time of war, I urge you also to go back to school, to get
skills, to don't deny yourself those important years that you missed
because of war.

And now I'm very interested to hear from each of the people here. I'm
interested to hear how people are overcoming the challenges that they face
now during this time of reconstruction. And I also want to let you know, I
come with the very best wishes of the American people. The American people
are standing with you, and we want to do whatever we can to help you in
Liberia rebuild your country for a time of peace and stability and hope.
So thank you all.

* * * * *

MRS. BUSH: I wanted to tell everyone here how inspired I am with your
stories, and how inspired I am with the way you're facing the challenges in
your life, challenges that you might not have wanted but just have
happened.

So I want you also to know that the people of the United States are
inspired by the people of Liberia, and we are standing with you the whole
time you work to build your country.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Thank you very much for your great words. And
thanks to each one of you for what you're doing for your own lives, but
while you're doing that for your own lives, you're building the lives of
others in Liberia.